At present Google introduced that it is going to be ending assist for Jamboard, the whiteboarding software that was launched in 2016.
Google is ushering within the “subsequent section” of digital whiteboarding by partnering with Figjam, Lucidspark, and Miro, three merchandise with superior whiteboard capabilities.
Academics and college students can proceed utilizing Jamboard with none disruption by October 1, 2024. On this date, Jamboard will turn out to be read-only and also you will be unable to create new Jamboard actions.
It’s disappointing when Google merchandise are ushered into the “Google Graveyard,” particularly a instrument that has been closely adopted by academics and has distinctive classroom purposes.
I’ve created greater than a dozen classes with Jamboard. I understand how a lot time and power it takes to search out and create these sources. Whereas Jamboard goes away, there are methods that you could proceed utilizing the sources you’ve gotten created.
What about Jamboard {hardware}?
Colleges that bought the bodily Jamboard can proceed to make use of it by October 1, 2024. This date is the planed auto-update-expiration for this {hardware}. Help will and presently and performance might be restricted.
Options to Jamboard
To be utterly sincere, Jamboard hasn’t acquired any important updates or new options in a few years and was beginning to really feel a bit old-fashioned. Personally, I believe there are higher choices out there that may take the place of Jamboard.
Listed below are three glorious Jamboard alternate options.
Google Slides
If you wish to hold issues inside the “Googleverse”, Google Slides is a simple Jamboard different. Google not too long ago added the power to annotate whereas presenting, nearly like they knew they wanted so as to add a drawing choice earlier than they eradicated Jamboard. 🤔
Associated submit: Use Google Slides like a Trapper Keeper!
As a result of Slides and Jamboard share related web page sizes, it’s fairly simple to transform your Jamboard actions over to Google Slides, identical to I did with the lesson under.
The function that Google Slides does NOT supply is the power to attract within the editor. If drawing on slides is a crucial function for you, I believe it’s best to try Figjam.
Figjam
In the event you just like the open-ended, collaborative really feel of Jamboard, you’ll really feel proper at dwelling utilizing Figjam! This free instrument seems like a extra superior model of Jamboard with cool pens, widgets, stamps & stickers, and higher classroom administration instruments.
Figjam is 100% free for academics and college students. You’ll be able to join a free schooling account by visiting Figma.com/schooling.
Associated video: Figjam vs. Jamboard
Figjam is already built-in with Google Meet and is releasing an import instrument that can convert your present Jamboard actions into Figjam. The conversion instrument might be prepared later this yr. 🎉
I’ve been working and utilizing Figjam for almost a yr and it’s actually nice. Figma (the corporate behind Figjam) partnered with me to create a video collection for academics which you may view right here.
Canva
In case you are utilizing Canva to design banners, movies, and newsletters, it’s best to try their whiteboarding instrument. Is there something you CAN’T do with Canva?
Canva’s whiteboard software affords fundamental brainstorming instruments like sticky notes, shapes, traces, and free-drawing pens. It’s not as superior as Figjam, however has the entire fundamentals you’d count on.
Probably the most spectacular side of Canva are the templates. In order for you a fast approach to get began with a Venn diagram, idea map, or timeline, Canva has one thing for you!
My one grievance about Canva is the complexity of sharing and managing shared recordsdata with others. The collaborative parts of Canva aren’t as intuitive as Google Drive or Figjam. If collaboration is your fundamental focus, I believe one of many different choices can be a greater match for you. In order for you college students to work independently on a whiteboard task, Canva will work very properly.
Canva is free for academics and college students, however it’s essential to register for a free schooling improve by visiting cava.com/schooling. As soon as your account has been upgraded, you should have entry to the entire whiteboarding instruments.
So Lengthy, Jamboard 👋
Shedding entry to a instrument that you’ve got utilized in your classroom is disappointing. You CAN proceed to make use of Jamboard for the rest of the 2023-24 faculty yr. Subsequent yr, nevertheless, you’ll want to undertake a brand new instrument to take the place of Jamboard in your classroom.
